Russian player Ekaterina Alexandrova is in the Canadian Open quarter-finals after defeating the World No. 1 and current US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-4 for two and a half hours, making it the third time Alexandrova defeats Sabalenk in the last two years: Alexandrova also defeated the World No. 1 in Doha in February 2025, which was also her last appearances at a WTA 1000 quarterfinal.
"A win like this helps so much to gain some kind of confidence that you're doing the right thing, and that maybe you are on the right path", said Alexandrova after beating Sabalenka again. "It means a lot because this year was quite difficult for me. Especially after last season, which was really good. Maybe the expectations from last year didn't help me".
Alexandrova will next face the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who always refuses to shake hands with Russian players, allowed to participate in WTA events without their national flag and symbols. Diana Shnaider and Iga Swiatek are also in quarter-finals, and there are fourth round matches to be played, involving World No. 2 Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Alexandra Eala.
